Interview with James Boran

Aranha,

Thanks for the opportunity to be on jiujitsu.net with people who love Jiu Jitsu like I do.

Congratulations on your website. It's very informative. It is one of the best about Jiu-Jitsu.

Before the interview I will like to make a comment about the UFC. On January 11 Th., Murilo Bustamante won a belt at UFC. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of success than him. I don't know him personally, but have watched Murilo compete vale tudo and sport Jiu-Jitsu for many years. Wanted to congratulate him, and mention that both he and Rodrigo Nogueira "Minotauro" are fighters to emulate.
-- James Boran

Name: James Boran
Height: 6'2" tall
Weight: 215 Lb.
Age: 44 years old
Education: Columbia College Alumnae
Profession: Futures Broker
Sports: Played Football at the University and was signed as a free agent by the New York Jets.
Martial arts: Black belt in TaekwonDo, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
My website : www.boranjj.com
Dojo: 1548 Adams av suite D, Costa Mesa California
Contact: 714 751-7505
Sponsor: Howard Combat Kimono

James, when and where did you start Jiu-Jitsu?

       I began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1990 at Torrance, CA Gracie Academy, awarded my blue and purple from Rickson and Royce Gracie, and brown and black from Joe Moreira.

What made you do Jiu-Jitsu?

       I had heard of the Gracie's and finally made up my mind to go there after one of their students who studied at the Hapkido school demonstrated how effective the Jiu-Jitsu is.

James, what made you decide to open your school?

       My main business is the futures market, but I felt there was a need for a school in my area that allowed for all types of people to train. From the hard core Jiu-Jitsu sport athlete to vale tudo, to the person who wants what the Jiu-Jitsu really is all about, reliable self-defense.

What kind of students do you have?

       We have students who love the tough sport Jiu-Jitsu training as well as those who focus on street self defense. Many students find Jiu-Jitsu training to be therapeutic; for loosing weight and for self confidence. I have students who are California Highway patrol, fireman and psychiatric hospital workers who learn not only self defense, but knife and gun defense, as well other weapon training.

Being an American, how can you up date your Jiu-Jitsu?

       I have many friends here and from Brazil who I train with which keeps me fit and up to date on technique. Viewing videos of high level Jiu-Jitsu competition as well as instructional material put out by people I respect, keeps me current. In the Jean Jacques Machado Tournament in December 2001, we had a super heavy purple belt place second, a light weight white belt also place second, and I was able to win my black belt fight. Seeing my students compete and compete well helps me know the school is getting the job done.

What you opinion of gi or no gi training?

       I believe that to be a good fighter, whether in vale tudo, or submission wrestling, training with the gi will make you better in both styles. you learn more technique due to resistance the gi provides. A fighter can't rely on strength. You cannot neglect learning to deliver and taking punches if you wish to do vale tudo against other trained fighters. If you have good punching ability, and a strong chin, and you are very good with the gi you can't go wrong. For regular students, I would recommend 50 - 80% gi training.
However if I have to pick one, I would chose training with the gi.

What do you do beside Jiu-Jitsu to stay in shape?

       Along with Jiu-Jitsu, cardio and some weights 4 days a week. Hopefully, one day of rest per week.

What is your diet like?

       I always have a very balanced meal, egg whites, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish, no beef.
No coffee, green tea instead, protein powder (whey and soy), vitamins.
No bomba*.....(Bomba is a slang for steroids in Portuguese)
Sometimes a very cold Guinness stout.

What is you favorite technique?

       The favorite one is the one that works at the time!

What is your goal with your students?

       My goal is to provide a place where they can excel and be as good as they want to be.

What do you have to say to people that are starting Jiu-Jitsu?

       Be patient. Jiu-Jitsu is a game of chess. Don't give up, be a humble winner, respect your partner he is there to help you learn, leave your ego at the door and tap before you get hurt.
Now PUT YOUR GI and train PORRA!!!!!